Judy Campbell-Smith has a new picture book, BASEBALL FOR BREAKFAST, illustrated by Maggie Carroll, and published by Charlesbridge on February 17th. They have agreed to send a copy to one lucky winner in the US.
All you have to do to get in the running is leave a comment. Reblog, tweet, or talk about it on Facebook with a link and you will get additional chances to win. Just let me know other things you do to share the good news, so I can put the right amount of tickets in my basket for you. Sharing on Facebook, Twitter, or reblogging really helps spread the word about a new book. So, thanks for helping Judy and Maggie.
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BOOK DESCRIPTION:
The perfect start to any day is with ushers in nightgowns and Cornflakes instead of popcorn. Join Jimmy as he experiences morning baseball during WWII.
Based on real historical events, this fictional book for ages 5 to 8 celebrates America’s pastime and resilience through the eyes of one Black child.
Jimmy’s family loves going to Milwaukee Brewers games together, but all that changes during World War II when Pop goes overseas to fight and Ma starts working nights in a factory. Then Jimmy has a chance meeting with the team’s owner and helps inspire a new idea: morning baseball games!
Jimmy is about to experience baseball in a whole new way (it may involve Cornflakes). A perfect solution so night shift workers can end their day with a game while others begin theirs.
Written by Judy Campbell-Smith, Baseball for Breakfast celebrates family, fun, and being American during a turbulent time when people were tested for their resilience.
BOOK JOURNEY:
Unsurprisingly, the idea for this book came while I was watching baseball. My husband and I were watching a Chicago White Sox game (go Sox!), and he asked me about the history of their stadium. This led me down a Wikipedia rabbit hole about the team’s former owner, Bill Veeck who was a colorful character in baseball history. His bio included a small detail about him organizing morning baseball games for factory workers during World War II. This immediately sparked something in my imagination, and I knew there was potential for a picture here.
In spring of 2022, I began researching Bill Veeck and the Milwaukee Brewers morning baseball games. I also looked at what life was like for kids during World War II, especially in Milwaukee. I was convinced I had a great backdrop for a picture book with some interesting layers, but I still needed to figure out the POV for the story. I wanted a child to be the main character, but I also wanted to include Bill Veeck and the factory workers. Things really clicked into place when I decided to invent a baseball-loving family to experience this unique moment. Even though Jimmy and his family are fictitious, I tried to fill the story with as many details pulled from real life so that it could still reflect the reality of what happened. I am proud I was also able to include references in the back matter to my grandfather who was in the Navy during World War II.
After a few rounds of revising with feedback from my critique partners, I sent Baseball to Breakfast to my agent in September of 2022. She loved it immediately and we were able to start submitting it to editors that November. I felt confident in the manuscript, but of course, rejections started coming in that made me question myself. One editor said it was too quiet, and another didn’t feel that baseball books were a strong sell. But then in April 2023, we received the good news that Karen Boss at Charlesbridge had an offer for us!
Once I started working with Karen on edits, I faced a new challenge with this manuscript. The version I submitted is almost 1000 words (!)—which is an ok length for nonfiction, but too long for this book. Karen and I worked to chop out about 250 words (a whole picture book length’s worth of words!) to get the manuscript to it’s final length. Looking back, I’m so amazed and grateful that Karen was able to see the vision for this book despite it being obviously over-long. It just goes to show that sometimes a manuscript needs find the right person who gets the vision for the story!
With beautiful illustration by Maggie Carroll, I am thrilled to see Baseball for Breakfast is finally a real book. I hope it resonates with readers as the story shows that we can get through tough times by creating joy and finding ways to helping others.
JUDY’S BIO:
Judy Cambell-Smith was born in New York City, but raised in the suburbs of Chicago. The daughter of a pastor, Judy was a good student and avid reader growing up. Her favorite books from her childhood were Peter Pan and Little Women. Judy also spent her youth doing gymnastics and church activities. In high school Judy became interested in movies, animation and art which led her to attend Biola University, near Los Angeles, where she studied film. Inspired by The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and a desire to travel, Judy attended the University of Auckland in New Zealand where she received her MA in film, TV and media studies. Her expertise is the history of cinema, especially the American musical genre.
After returning to the States, Judy held jobs in preschool and elementary education, higher education and the music industry. Along the way, Judy never lost her love of books and reading, and hoped to one day write and publish a book. Finally in 2020, Judy decided to pursue her dream and wrote her first children’s book, inspired by walks in her neighborhood with her son. When she’s not writing, Judy is busy taking care of her two young children. She also loves spending time baking, watching movies, going to the beach, and listening to music.
Judy is very active in the writing community. She is co-host of PB Power Hour, facilitates the picture book critique group for her local SCBWI chapter, and coordinates self-published volunteers for World Read Aloud Day.
Judy lives in Southern California with her family.
Judy is represented by Shari Maurer of The Stringer Literary Agency
MAGGIE’S BIO:
Maggie Caroll is an illustrator from Wisconsin, America’s Dairyland. She completed an MA in Illustration at the Edinburgh College of Art after graduating from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design with a BFA in Illustration. She illustrated Baseball for Breakfast and brought, who brings the story’s historical setting and emotional warmth to life. Her artwork for the book highlights the 1940s Milwaukee setting, the energy of morning baseball, and the tender resilience of a family navigating World War II. Her illustrations are consistently described as expressive, warm, and rich in historical detail. Maddie likes to focus on the beauty in this world and tries to capture some of that in her work. I enjoy combining the past with the present through my interest in illustration and design from the late 19th century to mid 20th century with the use of modern techniques and tools of illustration.
When searching for inspiration and references to inform my work, I like to explore antique stores, book shops, and flea markets. While not drawing, I enjoy listening to 80s music, going for walks, and spending time with my dogs and family.
Client List: Charlesbridge Publishing, Orange Hat Publishing, The University of Edinburgh, 414Flea, Studio B & Co.
Maggie is represented by Good Illustration Agency
For Wisconsin based inquires, existing clients, and personal commissions feel free to email me or reach me through social media. [email protected]
The story follows a young baseball lover who can’t sit still long enough to finish breakfast because the field — and the fun — are calling. Judy writes with a light, rhythmic touch that mirrors the energy of a kid on game day. While grown‑ups will smile at the familiar chaos of trying to get out the door, young readers will recognize the fluttery feeling of wanting something so much you can hardly stand it.
The illustrations Maggie Caroll created brings the morning to life with warm colors, expressive characters, and a sense of motion that practically bounces off the page. Every spread feels like a snapshot of childhood enthusiasm — messy cereal bowls, laced‑up cleats, and the promise of a bright day ahead.
This book shines as a read‑aloud for classrooms, sports‑themed storytimes, or families with little athletes who live for game day. It gently reinforces patience, teamwork, and the joy of showing up ready to play — even when breakfast has to wait.
This book is perfect for kids ages 4 – 8 who love baseball or any team sport. It provides a good morning read‑aloud that encourage routines and responsibility
Families looking for upbeat, energetic picture books to set the pace for the day.
“A joyful reminder that sometimes the best days begin with a little excitement, a lot of heart, and a dash of cereal on the table.”
Audible Audiobook – Unabridged
, made sure it sounded good, and told a story. With all of my projects, I harken back to what I learned at DC: tell a story and remember the arc!
Writing and Illustrating 
